Hazard's audition against Barcelona
Eden Hazard will look to take centre stage on Tuesday night as Chelsea host Barcelona in the Champions League, with Real Madrid keeping a close eye on the jinking Belgian.
Real Madrid have been clear in their interest in Eden Hazard all season long, with the Belgian doing little to quell the rumours of his Stamfords Bridge exit. He has been brillinat for the Blues, and Tuesday night provides a perfect opportunity to prove his value as the next 'Galactico'.
One of the few players, along with the utopian Neymar, who could replace Cristiano Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu. On Sunday, Hazard suggested that is something that could happen in the near future. His contract runs until the summer of 2020, but for the moment there is little indication that he will pen a new deal.
Chelsea's rough patch in the Premier League has not stopped the little forward from performing consistently, and Blues fans know that Hazard is their best hope against Barcelona on Tuesday. While his team have collapsed around him, winning just two of their last six Premier League matches, Hazard has continued his phenomenal form into 2018, scoring six goals.
Hazard has supported manager Antonio Conte and, even though his words regarding his own future will not go down well among the Stamford Bridge faithful, they will be fully behind him for the visit of the undisputed La Liga leaders. Under the dual spotlight of Champions League football and Real Madrid's watch, Hazard has more than enough motivation to perform.
If the 27-year-old can put together a performance of note against Ernesto Valverde's side it will send a signal to Real president Florentino Perez, always on the lookout for the next big arrival to the Spanish capital.